. >>> the 113th congress is off and running tackling everything from gun control to the deficit. our washington d.c. bureau spoke with california senator barbara boxer today about the prospects for action in a politically polarized capital. >> how do we get it done? you just keep on pushing and pushing. how did we ever get the right to vote for women? it took a long time. you know, the president said something that is so right. he said change doesn't happen unless the people get behind it. >> barbara boxer served 20 years in the senate and before that 10 years in the house. she admits congress has a reputation for gridlock, not action, but boxer notes she managed to pass a hard fought highway and transportation bill in part through the support of her constituents. she believes that strategy will work for gun safety. >> so we know if 90% of the people are behind background checks and they start ringing these phones off the hook here, we'll get background checks. >> boxer says she'll work with fellow california senator dianne feinstein on a tougher gun safety measure, a ban on assa